⫷ A Glorious Example of Women’s Rights in Islam ⫸
A famous saying in Arabic literature describes a painter drawing a scene on a wall in which a man is shown overpowering a lion by holding its neck. As a lion happened to pass by and observed the painting, the artist asked, “How do you like the picture?” The lion replied,
“The brush is in your hand; you can paint whatever scene you wish. But if the brush were in my hand, the image would certainly be different.”
This analogy aptly reflects the current situation of the Muslim world in the face of Western media. Since the media is largely controlled by Western powers, they construct and promote the narratives they desire regarding Islam and Muslims. One of the prominent themes they distort is “women’s rights,” presenting Islam as a religion of oppression, helplessness, and subjugation for women.
A sincere study of the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reveals that Islam elevates women, respects their opinions, and grants them dignity and autonomy of the highest order. A prime example of this can be seen in the incident of Barīrah (RA), the freed servant of Mother of the Believers, ʿĀ’ishah (RA).
Barīrah (RA) was married to a man named Mughīth (RA). After ʿĀ’ishah (RA) freed Barīrah, she was granted—according to Islamic law—the right of Khiyār al-‘Itq, which allows a freed slave woman to choose whether to remain in her marital bond or to separate.
Barīrah (RA) chose separation from Mughīth (RA), a decision that caused him immense grief. He was seen weeping in the streets, pleading with people to persuade her to return to him.
This matter was brought to the attention of the Prophet ﷺ, who out of compassion for Mughīth (RA), approached Barīrah (RA) and said:
“It would be better if you return to Mughīth.”
Barīrah (RA) inquired:
“O Messenger of Allah, is this a command or simply advice?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“It is not a command—just advice.”
Barīrah (RA) then stated:
“I have no need for him.”
The Prophet ﷺ respected her decision and did not exert any further pressure.
What is truly noteworthy here is that Barīrah (RA) was a freed slave woman, and the one making the recommendation was none other than the Prophet ﷺ. Despite this, the Prophet ﷺ did not show displeasure at her refusal or use his status to impose his will. This is a manifestation of Islam’s deep respect for a woman’s opinion and autonomy in personal matters.
Today, Western media attempts to paint Islam as an authoritarian and repressive religion, especially in its treatment of women. However, the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ and Islamic teachings clearly demonstrate that Islam grants women honor, independence, and legal agency. Hence, such accusations are nothing but prejudiced misrepresentations driven by bias and hostility.
◈ Western Media's Portrayal: Reality or Deception?
A famous saying in Arabic literature describes a painter drawing a scene on a wall in which a man is shown overpowering a lion by holding its neck. As a lion happened to pass by and observed the painting, the artist asked, “How do you like the picture?” The lion replied,
“The brush is in your hand; you can paint whatever scene you wish. But if the brush were in my hand, the image would certainly be different.”
This analogy aptly reflects the current situation of the Muslim world in the face of Western media. Since the media is largely controlled by Western powers, they construct and promote the narratives they desire regarding Islam and Muslims. One of the prominent themes they distort is “women’s rights,” presenting Islam as a religion of oppression, helplessness, and subjugation for women.
◈ Honor and Authority of Women in Islamic Teachings
A sincere study of the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reveals that Islam elevates women, respects their opinions, and grants them dignity and autonomy of the highest order. A prime example of this can be seen in the incident of Barīrah (RA), the freed servant of Mother of the Believers, ʿĀ’ishah (RA).
◈ Barīrah’s Exercise of Her Right of Khiyār al-‘Itq
Barīrah (RA) was married to a man named Mughīth (RA). After ʿĀ’ishah (RA) freed Barīrah, she was granted—according to Islamic law—the right of Khiyār al-‘Itq, which allows a freed slave woman to choose whether to remain in her marital bond or to separate.
Barīrah (RA) chose separation from Mughīth (RA), a decision that caused him immense grief. He was seen weeping in the streets, pleading with people to persuade her to return to him.
◈ The Prophet ﷺ Recommends—Not Commands
This matter was brought to the attention of the Prophet ﷺ, who out of compassion for Mughīth (RA), approached Barīrah (RA) and said:
“It would be better if you return to Mughīth.”
Barīrah (RA) inquired:
“O Messenger of Allah, is this a command or simply advice?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“It is not a command—just advice.”
Barīrah (RA) then stated:
“I have no need for him.”
The Prophet ﷺ respected her decision and did not exert any further pressure.
◈ The Respect for Barīrah and the Conduct of the Prophet ﷺ
What is truly noteworthy here is that Barīrah (RA) was a freed slave woman, and the one making the recommendation was none other than the Prophet ﷺ. Despite this, the Prophet ﷺ did not show displeasure at her refusal or use his status to impose his will. This is a manifestation of Islam’s deep respect for a woman’s opinion and autonomy in personal matters.
◈ Islamic Teachings vs Western Accusations
Today, Western media attempts to paint Islam as an authoritarian and repressive religion, especially in its treatment of women. However, the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ and Islamic teachings clearly demonstrate that Islam grants women honor, independence, and legal agency. Hence, such accusations are nothing but prejudiced misrepresentations driven by bias and hostility.
